Optimal Pituitary MRI Protocol
Core Imaging Sequence Requirements
Contrast Administration
Field‑Strength Selection
Technical Specification Parameters
| Parameter | Recommended Value | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Field of view | ≤ 256 mm, focused on sellar region | 6 |
| Frequency / phase encoding | ≥ 172 each | 6 |
| Number of excitations (NEX) | ≥ 1 | 6 |
| Slice gap / spacing | 0 mm (contiguous slices) | 6 |
| Scan time per sequence | ≈ 5–10 min | 6 |
| T1‑pre‑contrast (3D) | TR ≈ 2100 ms, TE minimum, TI ≈ 1100 ms, flip angle 10–15°, sagittal or axial | 6 |
| T2‑weighted | Fast or turbo spin‑echo, coronal plane | 1 |
| T1‑post‑contrast | Identical parameters to pre‑contrast for direct comparison | 6 |
| Volumetric gradient‑echo post‑contrast | 3D acquisition for isotropic resolution | 3 |